Difference Between Ox and Cow

Ox and cow are a member of Bovine family and belong to the species genus Bos. They are the commonest animals to be domesticated and are used as livestock. They are extensively used as beef cattle also. The body parts of cows and oxen, like liver, kidney, hide, tail, and even blood, are sold in the market. Their dung is used as a manure and fuel.

An ox is a male cow. It has got a more strong and muscular body than as compared to the cow. Oxen are castrated before the attainment of puberty. In castration, both the testicles of an ox are removed so that it is unable to breed. Castration reduces the aggression of the oxen and they are tamed easily. Also, castration prevents the ox- meat from producing a bad odour. A young ox is called a bullock. A bull is trained right from a very young age. Being used as draft animals all over the world, Oxen are aptly called as the beasts of burden as they perform tasks like carrying heavy loads, pulling carts and also in ploughing fields. They are trained to understand and follow their masters signals.

A cow is un-castrated female of Bovine family. A young cow is called a heifer. Since a cow is not castrated, it has the ability to breed and give birth to calves. Cows are not used as draft animals, instead they are used as dairy cattle. Cows are called foster mothers of mankind as they give milk which is consumed all over the world by the humans. Cow- milk is the prime source of dairy products like cheese, butter, curd, etc. Cow dung and urine are used in the preparation of several Ayurvedic medicines as they have medicinal qualities. Cows are considered very sacred in countries like India, where they are worshipped like God.

In brief:

Ox vs Cow

♦ Ox is castrated male while cow is un-castrated female.

♦ Cows breed while oxen do not breed.

♦ Oxen are used as draft animals while cows are dairy cattle.

♦ Ox ploughs the fields and pull cart, cows do not do such difficult tasks.